I am international student majoring in Computer Science. Now I have been admitted by the University of Waterloo (Canada) and by the University of California San Diego. Both of them are master degree. Could you please help me to analyze which university should I choose?
Here is the pros and cons that I have thought about:
For University of Waterloo, the weather in Canada is very code, and the job opportunities are not as many as they are in US. However, Canadian universities provide MS students opportunities. I am not sure whether I am really interested in research, so in UWaterloo I can figure if I want to pursue for a phd degree.
For UC San Diego, it may be easier to find a good job in California. But master students in US seldom involve in research. In addition, I’m not quite sure about its ranking compared with UWaterloo. My parents strongly believe some no-source rankings which say UCSD is slightly better.
Which university should I choose? I hope to hear your advice.
Actually, it’s easier to find a legal job in Canada for internationals. In addition, I’m not sure why you think Master’s students don’t get involved in research in the US?
Waterloo is tops in Canada for CS (Canada’s MIT if you will), but UCSD is no slouch either. Both are powerhouses, although I’d give an edge to Waterloo.
As far as quality of life, San Diego beats Waterloo hands down, and SoCal weather beats Canadian weather hands down too
Hi MYOS1634, thanks for your reply.
Did you mean it is harder to find a legal job in Canada? Why is that? I am an exchange student in Waterloo now. A lot of my friends here are going to US for a job.
I was told that master programs in US are mainly course-based, as if they are an extension of undergraduate courses. PhD students are more likely to get scholarship than Master students, because PhD students work for professors. But that is just what “I was told” by teachers, friends and internet. In my application, some of the universities in US didn’t even ask what my research interest was, so I assume they don’t expect a master applicant to do research.
LOTS of Master’s students in the US are heavily involved in research; I respectfully suggest your premise (in the thread’s initial post) is quite erroneous.
Do not for a minute think that a major research institution such as UCSD is going to be like undergrad or not let MS be involved with research, they are telling you entire fabrications. If you had a research interest, you were expected to discuss it in your SOP! Some universities here make the distinction between a professional MS meant for student wishing to enter the workforce and thesis or research based MS which may lead to PhD study. In fact, I just looked and UCSD says:
The MS program is designed for individuals who are interested in further developing their knowledge and skill base in a rigorous academic program in preparation for either a PhD program or a professional position. With the diverse interests and goals of our students in mind, the program offers a flexible curriculum with either a research (thesis) track or a comprehensive exam. Our average MS student completes the program within 2 years.
As is typical here, MS will likely not come with a funding offer, however it is possible to find such offer after your acceptance or start, no guarantees…and looking again they have that covered:
Masters students. MS students may apply for teaching assistantships after accepting admission to the program. Teaching assistantships (TA) normally include a monthly salary plus a significant subsidy to offset nearly the full cost of fees; students are responsible for paying the balance of fees plus any out-of-state tuition. International students must pass an English Language Proficiency Exam before being hired as a TA. MS students are encouraged to pursue their research interests, and should ask faculty and other researchers about the possibility of a research assistantship, which may pay salary, fees, and tuition.
and
All graduate students. Students are encouraged to apply for extramural fellowships (see our fellowship pages). These fellowships confer their own benefits and prestige, as well as giving their recipients more flexibility in choosing their thesis advisors. Many of our students work in local industry during the academic year (mainly MS students) and the summer months (MS and PhD). San Diego is one of the fastest growing high technology areas in the country, and has been named the “Wireless Capital of the World,” and the “#1 place to do business in America,” by Forbes magazine. http://www.cse.ucsd.edu/node/195#choose
And I just noticed you have posted in the undergrad section of the forum, find the Grad forum…for more eyeballs.
